The Waterhouse / Neri & Hu Design and Research Office

Located on the banks of the Huangpu River in the historic dockyard district and in the vicinity of the 2010 World Expo site, The Waterhouse at South Bund is rooted in an inversion of internal & external spaces. Shanghai-based Neri + Hu Design and Research Office(NHDRO) have transformed a non-descript 1930s riverside building into a modern expression of Chinese aesthetics. This architectural intervention enhances the building’s industrial presence, while outfitting the interior with the ammenities of a luxury hotel.

More about the hotel after the break.

The project is comprised of two buildings: a hotel and an event warehouse. For the hotel, Neri & Hu created 19 rooms, with a rooftop bar and a restaurant. Interestingly, the private and public spaces are switched – ”Guests grazing through the buildings public areas are granted vantage points into private space, while guests taking respite in what would conventionally be secluded space are able to observe the public realm while doing so.” The architects felt this concept would result in a more exciting hotel experience, and provide a strong identifying mark for the hotel.

As the name suggests, the event space was a former warehouse. This rennovation maintains the warehouse’s shell, tying in the building’s industrial roots while staying true to the neighborhood’s historic past. The 8,000 square-foot (743 sqm) multi-function warehouse boasts a double-storey ceiling and a flexible, easy-to-convert layout, making it perfect for a wide range of events, including product launches, fashion shows, cexhibitions, and weddings.